Steven Gerrard returns to Liverpool FC as academy coach

Steven Gerrard is back at Liverpool after accepting a coaching role at the club’s Academy.

Just over 18 months after leaving Anfield, the former captain has been confirmed in position for development post, assisting youth director Alex Inglethorpe.

The 36-year-old will formally start in his new position in February as he embarks on the latest stage of his career.

“It feels like completing the circle; returning to the place where professionally it all began,” said Gerrard.

“However, this isn’t a decision based on emotion – it’s about what I can offer and contribute to Liverpool.

“I don’t think I need to explain to people what this football club means to me, but when I knew coming back was a serious option I wanted to make sure it was a substantive role and a role in which I could really help the organisation.

“Meeting with Alex Inglethorpe, seeing the work they are currently doing and want to do in the future at Kirkby, it just felt right. The right option at the right time, for all parties involved.

“This gives me a great opportunity to learn and develop as a coach, while at the same time offering my knowledge, ideas and experience to the young players at an important period of their development.”

Gerrard has made his long-term coaching ambitions known since announcing his retirement from playing football in December at the end of his stint at LA Galaxy.

He held talks with MK Dons but declined the chance to go straight into management at the lower levels, preferring instead to learn his trade as he continues his UEFA ‘A’ licence.

Based at Liverpool’s Academy in Kirkby, he will be in position to sound out one of his mentors, Steve Heighway, as he coaches and inspires the club’s next generation of footballers.

Initially, Gerrard will have a roaming role focused across the age groups. A more defined job title is anticipated at the end of the season.

Liverpool’s Academy Director Inglethorpe – who has invited several former players and even some current senior players to work alongside him during coaching session – is thrilled to have arguably the most legendary figure of all by his side.

“If I was to pick one individual who embodies the characteristics and values we are looking to instil into our organisation at Kirkby it would be Steven Gerrard,” said Inglethorpe.

“For him to have been so enthusiastic about being part of what we are looking to do is simply great news for everyone connected to the club.

“I don’t think it would surprise anyone to know that Steven has had a host of great options, in terms of what to do next in his career, including playing, management and coaching. But it’s been evident from the first meeting with him that his heart and head belongs here.

“He has shown great humility in making it clear from the outset he wants a role where he can contribute to Liverpool; it’s typical of him that his priority has been defining the role so it helps the Club, ahead of himself.

“He has expressed a desire to learn from us and manage a young team. The benefits to us will be immense. This is a substantial role and one which makes the Academy and the club in general stronger and better.”

In his new position, Gerrard will still be able to continue his role as a television pundit for BT Sport.

It was suggested Gerrard would eventually return to Anfield as soon as he confirmed he was leaving the club, which he did in the summer of 2015.

Indeed, both the club’s chief executive Ian Ayre and chairman Tom Werner promised there would always be a position for him.

“I don’t see this as goodbye,” Werner said at that time.

“Steven will return to the club in another role at some stage.”

Now that day has come, in what could be the first step in a journey towards becoming a manager in his own right.

It will be a mutually beneficial arrangement for all parties, as to have a figure of Gerrard’s immense stature back at Liverpool is of value to the club in numerous ways.